The self-proclaimed “green” car rental company will open up a 1,000-square-foot ground-floor space in 2008 at the Kalahari, a soon-to-open condo development at 40 West 116^th Street, according to a press release.

The membership-based rental service has become increasingly popular over the last few years, largely because it offers members the option to rent cars for as little as one hour. In keeping with their environmentally-friendly reputation, the Zipcar outlet will keep three Toyota Prius hybrids on hand at the Harlem outpost.

Zipcar’s opening at the Kalahari is appropriate for the sustainable development. According to the release, the condo will feature an air purification system and solar panels that will provide 25 percent of the building’s energy.

The full release is below.

ZIPCAR FINDS NEW HOME AT KALAHARI

***

Energy-Efficient Car Rental Service Takes Space at Harlem’s Newest Residential Icon

(New York, NY, June 25, 2007) – Developers of Kalahari, an exciting sustainable residence located in Central Harlem, announced that Zipcar, a national “green” car rental service, will occupy a ground-floor retail space at Kalahari, located at 40 West 116^th Street, in an in-house transaction.

“Zipcar will aim to serve residents of both Kalahari and the greater Harlem communities, and help us set the stage for a positive environmental impact in one of New York’s most vivacious communities,” stated Ron Moelis, principal of L&M Equity Participants, one of Kalahari’s developers. “The rebirth of Harlem is also about the renewal of community, art and sustainable living.”

Set to occupy Kalahari when the homes are complete in early 2008, Zipcar will retain 3 environmentally-friendly Toyota Prius' reserved for residents’ and community use. The lease will encompass approximately 1,000 SF.

"Zipcar is committed to improving urban life for all local residents and we are proud to be a part of the new Kalahari Development in Harlem," said Julian Espiritu, regional vice president for Zipcar. "The three Toyota Prius Zipcars at the Kalahari will help us to expand our service to better serve the Harlem community as well as promote our goal of reducing greenhouse emissions in and around New York City."

Kalahari, one of Manhattan’s most sustainable residences to date, offers a fresh-filtered air purification system, wind-generated energy and on-site solar panels that supply over 25 percent of the building’s energy and Energy-Star appliances throughout—all reducing Kalahari’s energy consumption by 30% below the New York State Energy Code.

For more information about Kalahari or to schedule a viewing, please contact the Kalahari Sales office at 212-348-0090 or visit www.kalahari-harlem.com.

# # #